Banish brain fog with what you eat! Here’s how to stop feeling foggy…

written by Amy Steenkamp March 27, 2023

The start of the week can often has the tendency to leave us with a foggy feeling. If you’re like us, you might feel you need an extra day between Sunday and Monday to recover from the weekend – we can’t agree more!

Often, on Mondays, we find it hard to concentrate and follow through with whatever is at hand with complete focus. There’s a name for this feeling…it’s called brain fog! If you’re feeling sluggish and forgetful, easily distracted, or completely overwhelmed by mundane tasks, you may be experiencing this common phenomenon.

We’ve got some good news, though. Brain fog can be worked around by eating a good diet! Here are some tips to help you banish brain fog!

Balance your blood sugar

Blood sugar levels have a massive effect on how we feel, and can impact how we operate during the day. Healthy foods can produce a steady, sustaining level of blood sugar and less healthy foods can lead to crashes which can leave us feeling foggy, tired or anxious.

Eating complex carbohydrates such as barley, quinoa or lightly cooked vegetables instead of high-GI carbohydrates like white bread, white rice and pasta may even out your blood sugar and have you feeling energized for longer periods of time.

Ditch artificial sugars

Artificial sugars may be good on saving calories but they are not an effective substitute for sugar. They don’t help the body digest the nutrients it needs to run at full capacity. Maintaining a good blood sugar level from healthy sugars is necessary to keep your brain running – sweeteners will just get in the way of what your brain and body need to function at an optimal level. They also disrupt the good bacteria in your gut responsible for producing serotonin – the hormone that makes you feel happy.

Boost the good fats

There is a misconception that all fats will result in weight gain but actually, it’s about making sure that you are eating the right kind of fat. Oily fish is a great place to start, since it’s jam-packed with omega-3 which is the best kind of fat for your brain. Then, store-bought salad dressing needs to go! Replace it with olive oil which has anti-inflammatory compounds as well as healthy unsaturated fats.

Go organic

Even if they’re a smidge pricier, your brain will thank you for incorporating more organic products. Factory-farmed products tend to be higher in omega-6 fats, which can dull brain power. Whereas organic meat and dairy will be naturally higher in brain-boosting omega-3s.

More Vitamin B

Vitamin B is essential for our brains to perform functions like controlling our moods, and having a healthy sleep. Vitamin B is found in spinach, brussel sprouts, lettuce, asparagus, broccoli and legumes such as lentils, kidney beans and black-eyed beans.

Don’t deny yourself a coffee

Your caffeine fix, without milk or sugar, is an excellent source to prevent a cognitive decline throughout the day. It provides the brain with a lot of energy, perfect for beating brain fog without raising your blood sugar.

Drink a glass of champagne

Great news ladies! One alcoholic drink per day may help to keep toxins out of the brain, reducing your risk of dementia.

A glass of bubbles contains phenolic acid which is a powerful weapon to help you think better. Red wine is also a good choice as the red grape skin is rich in a potent antioxidant called resveratrol. Having a glass of red with your dinner can lessen blood-sugar spikes reducing your liver’s production of glucose.

Only one, though! Too much alcohol has the reverse effect on the brain.

Drink more water

Six to eight glasses of water a day should be the goal! Dehydration is a leading cause of reduced concentration. Go for a water filter jug, as tap water can contain toxins that affect our brain health. You can spice your water up by adding bits of different fruit.

Blow brain fog away and have a productive week!

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Feature Image: Getty